The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission (KGEC) requested on February 15 that I register NeighborhoodNet as a Political Action Committee (PAC) because it had come to their attention that I endorsed candidates. I explained why that was incorrect.

I have now received confirmation from the Commission that I need not register NeighborhoodNet as a PAC. I have published another article which explains why I believe that Neil Sader's campaign was involved in raising this issue about the PAC, although the Kansas Open Records Act apparently exempts the Commission from divulging who has pushed this issue.

"Dear Mr. Phillips:

This is in response to your response to us where you inform that NeighborhoodNet is not a PAC, but rather your personal website used to express your personal views. A copy of our prior email to you and your response is attached below.

Based on what you have told us, NeighborhoodNet is used to state your individual, personal views and endorsements of and advocation for or against candidates. Based on this information, NeighborhoodNet would not meet the definition of a PAC or "political committee" as defined by K.S.A. 25-4143(k)(1), which states: "Political committee" means any combination of two or more individuals or any person other than an individual, a major purpose of which is to expressly advocate the nomination, election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for state or local office or make contributions to or expenditures for the nomination, election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for state or local office." Therefore, as an individual you would not be required to register as a PAC with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.

I point out, only for your information and future reference, that K.S.A. 25-4150 requires a person who makes certain contributions or expenditures totaling $100 or more within a calendar year to file a statement as required by that statute.

Thank you for your prompt reply and detailed explanation of NeighborhoodNet.

Sincerely,
Donna Voth
General Counsel
Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission
901 W. 9th, Suite 504 Topeka, KS
66612-1287
785-296-4219
legal@cjnetworks.com

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